Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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14216 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed January 2012

SOUTH AFRICAN WALKING SAFARI

Fantastic trip, with great walks, awesome sights and great opportunities to get pretty close to the wildlife. This trip highlights what a diverse country South Africa is when you contrast the high lands with the lowlands. It is truly an experience that will be treasured for life.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's hard to pick just one. South Africa was always a dream for me so just being there on a private game reserve with all the wildlife in natural habitat was awesome. Being within 20-30ft of a male lion as it roared. Watching him summon the roar from deepin the pit of his stomach. The hair still stands up on my neck when I think about it. The contrast in the country, from pine forests and lushness in the Highveld to the barren sparseness of the Lowveld was something I wasn't expecting. Also on our trip we had a change in the itinery and ended up in St Lucia and I wasn't disappointed. All those crocs and Hippos and the Indian ocean breaking in the background as you tried to sleep.The spectacular Drakensberg, and the glamping. The scenery here is breathtaking. The hike up "the ladders" was amazing. Seeing people conquer their fear by going up and the whole group, who were complete strangers a couple of weeks before, totally encouraging each other as if they were friends for years. Also on our hike in the Drakensberg we had snow. I didn't expect to see snow in South Africa.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bongani, was our leader, and was aided by Shawn and Semanga. Bongani, was great. He put the group at ease. He's got a great sense of humour that might take you a day or two to figure out but when you do he's a lot of fun. He also works hard to make sure the group enjoy themselves. He genuinely cares that everyone have fun and enjoy the trip and looks for feedback every night around the fire and prepares the group for the next day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is a lot of travel on this trip between places so be prepared for some long days in the bus. Don't expect to get out of your armchair and enjoy this trip. You need a small level of fitness as some of the walks are long and over undulating terrain and it can get really hot at times. Good shoes or Boots are essential. Some of the campsites only have cold showers so if you don't fancy them take wet wipes. Also a decent headlight/torch because sometimes the tents are a small distance for the facilities. Take a decent camera too.

Reviewed January 2012

SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES

This is my 2nd trip with Exodus and was simply fantastic (as was the first), I would thoroughly recommend it. It was extremely beautiful being in Villabassa at Christmas time, the Hotel Alder was wonderful, both management and staff very welcoming/helpful and friendly, gorgeous 5 course dinner each night. Aperitifs on our first evening & Christmas Eve in reception along with carols was gorgeous. The snowshoeing was such brilliant fun walking in a winter wonderland (thankfully the snow fell the Friday before going), each walk gave us beautiful scenery and "THE" most amazing views having the weather on our side most days, even though a couple of the walks involved “chuffin steep climbs” the views totally made up for it and coming back down is always the easiest whichever way we did it by walking/sledding or in my case sliding upside down head first when unable to stay on the sled but had soo much fun though, felt like being a child all over again J

Most Inspirational Moment

The climb on Christmas day was a great walk giving the best views in the world (well it certainly felt like I was on top of the world) truly stunning beautiful day enjoying the gorgeous Pandoro & Prosecco to toast Christmas day thanks to Olly our great leader!! Of course we had to eat/drink it all so he didn’t have to carry it down again. The whole experience was truly amazing also having a great group made the experience too I never stopped laughing. On our day off some of us had a go at cross-country skiing thanks to Eric & Heather for allowing us to participate with them for the day, particularly to Heather for taking us on in the beginners group, my first time putting on any form of skis on and loved it!! Especially the hot chocolate in the cafe at the end of the day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Olly was fantastic very kind, lots of fun (although he needs some more cheesy Xmas tunes) and helpful to all of the group who weren’t quite as quick up the hills as the rest, he looked after us in every way he possibly could whether that was giving out tape for our poor blisters or lending me his jacket to keep me warm, he certainly has the best job in the world!! Thank you Olly for making the video too (check it out) such great memories!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take the right kit with you along with you and plenty of layers even though walking up makes you extremely hot and having to strip off, you certainly need to put the layers back on again when stopping or reaching the top as it can be extremely cold. Most of all go with the intention of having fun, even though you might find it hard some days there is always the sense of achievement in reaching the top and enjoying the views and remember you are getting fitter by the day and there is always the lovely spa in the hotel to look forward too at the end of the day so just enjoy it!!!!!

Reviewed January 2012

COLOURS OF RAJASTHAN, INDIA

An amazing dash through Rajasthan.

Most Inspirational Moment

Oh now I loved the Taj mahal of course. Other than that I enjoyed Udaipur, Bundi and Puskha. I loved the palaces and forts but the markets were especially fascinating.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Avtar has an amazing energy and excellent knowledge of his country. He was also very helpful, kind and caring. He is inclinded to talk too much :-)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take hand gel.In December/January the rooms in the hotels are a bit cold so ask for a blanket.In december/january take a fleeceGet an early night so that you can keep on going - this is a hectic trip.

Reviewed January 2012

ATLAS DESCENT

Get in some good hill climbing practice before you go as some of the climbs are extremely tough and make sure you are not afraid of heights as some of the sheer drops off of tracks, piste and road went down vertically for hundreds of metres !

Most Inspirational Moment

The long ride down to the Atlantic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is not just ascents and there are a large number of really tough climbs. Make sure that you are physically fit for these climbs, although they are all optional and the 4x4 can pick you up if you can't do it.

Reviewed January 2012

MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

If I had known whwt was coming, I would have spent my money and time on a different Exodus trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Summit day brought 100kph winds which made it difficult to stand let alone walk. In my view the group should have been turned around to wait for better conditions like some others, but we were encouraged to keep going. Two of us turned back at the ridge, with the rest of the group having an uneasy three minutes on the summit. The walk-in up the valley was not particularly inspiring as the valley was quite barren and the steep valley sides prevented views of any neighbouring scenery. Add to that, the really bad air quality in Marrakesh, and you get an pretty unpleasent experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Apart from the the (in my view) bad decision on summit day, the other aspects of the trip were handled very well. The food was excellent given the circumstances, possibly a lot better than the other groups were getting.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Most of the failings of the trip, such as weather, the lack of good views and the use of Gatwick Airport were beyond the control of Exodus. Read this and the other reports and make up your own minds. FYI the other Exodus group that did a lower altitude Atlas Trek semed to have a much better time.

Reviewed January 2012

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

What a great way to see Jordan and what an amazing trip – Loved it!

Most Inspirational Moment

We did this trip to see Petra - and it did not disappoint!However, we also loved all the trip and the Jordanian people were just so friendly. The stay in Wadi Rum on Christmas Eve was rather a special way to celebrate Christmas. Go for it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader, Danny Haddad, was superb. His knowledge was boundless and he was a great organiser. What a lovely person! However, the Jordanian culture is rather male dominated, even though they don't think so. Danny had some problems with the very high-powered women in our group. I think he was the best leader we have ever had. Truly inspirational!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go to Jordan with an open mind. The country is amazing and the people just lovely. It is a great way to see the country - just remember to have a good basic fitness level for this sort of trip, and you will get a lot out of it.Some modest dress is required. Be thoughtful to other cultures and you will have a ball.

Reviewed January 2012

PERU EXPLORER

Had wanted to visit the "sights " of Peru since learning about the Incas as a schoolboy .This trip realised those dreams .

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu after 4 days on the Inca trail.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mr Rene Calancha is an absolute star , knows everything there is to know about Peru or knows someone who can help.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your guides advice about the affects of both the strong Peruvian sunshine and altitude . They know best . Pack for all weather conditions

Reviewed January 2012

ATLAS PANORAMA

lovely walking,lovely company and I feel i am more informed re Morrocan culture

Most Inspirational Moment

The final day's walk to the lake and the company

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good, but could have volunteered more information re culture and aspects of the trip

Advice for Potential Travellers

walks can be strenuous with some exposure. Bring alcohol with you it is expensive and hard to come by

Reviewed January 2012

THE INCA TRAIL

Inspirational trip – I loved everything from the scenery, archeology, weather, walking, guide and my fellow travellers. Also did the Rainforest Extension – definitely recommended. Still buzzing a week later.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many fantastic moments - sunrises and sunsets on the campsites, incredible views of the mountains, and of course Macchu Pichu. Getting up Dead Womens Pass despite being desperately ill and collapsing with altitude sickness and dehydration 3/4 of the way up.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan was probably the best Exodus guide I've encountered (and I've done quite a few trips with Exodus, all with wonderful guides). His knowledge and enthusiasm were unsurpassed, and he looked after the group very well, despite a very wide range of physical abilities. When I was severely ill with altitude sickness and later dehydration, he looked after me brilliantly, but without compromising the rest of the group, and with superb tact, even coming to check on me several times in the night and sitting up with me in the middle of the night when I was not feeling well. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he was friendly and sociable with the group without being too forward. The assistant guide, Wilson, was quiet and shy but extremely competent and with a great sense of humour. He'll make an excellent main guide when he becomes a little more confident.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Most of it's been said in the reviews, but do also check the Arrivals Gate forum on here, because there's lots of good advice there that I missed before I went. Unless you're very young and healthy, take trekking poles, they really help with all the steps even if you don't particularly have knee problems. Don't do this trip if you do have knee problems though, you will really struggle (one of our group had real problems) and it then slows the rest of the group down.Also take your own down sleeping bag, it weighs so much less and the weight limit is quite restrictive otherwise. Advice varies but your sleeping bag is not going to get wet (the tents are very waterproof) and there's no other reason why you wouldn't want to use down. I took a 3 season sleeping bag with a silk liner. On cold nights they fill your water bottle with hot water to put in your bag - excellent idea, and worth (as I did) taking a metal bottle just for that purpose, even if you drink out of a Camelbak during the day. I used a Thermarest and my own down sleeping bag, total weight 1 1/2 kilos. Some people were already up to 4-5 kilos with just those two things.You don't need many clothes, just a couple of tops, a couple of pairs of trousers, some decent thermals and a few changes of underwear. After our first day in Cusco was absolutely freezing, I couldn't believe I would ever be in shorts, but the weather changes dramatically from hour to hour and also in different locations. Do take trousers that zip off into shorts, much more practical. Also do take good wicking base layers (not cotton tshirts), you won't regret it. Also plenty of layers that you can put on, especially at night. In the day I wore mainly tshirt and shorts, plus at times a light fleece and a fleece jacket and poncho (and long trousers), in the evenings I wore 2 thermal base layer tops, a fleece jumper and a light down jacket, and thermal leggings under light trousers, and was only just warm enough. If you wear shorts during the day, use mosquito repellent even if you don't see any mosquitoes...I never saw any but they found my ankles all right! I was nervous about the "toilet tent" but it was not nearly as bad as some reviews have indicated - actually far nicer than the public loos and they never smelt at all!Invest a few soles in a plastic poncho (sold everywhere) to go over or wear instead of a rainjacket - it can get very wet and they are very effective at keeping the worst of the rain off, especially for your backpack too (use a waterproof backpack cover too). You really don't want to get everything wet on the trek as it'll never dry out. Most important thing of all: even if the weather is not hot, drink lots of water and take rehydration tablets too. They say 2 litres a day - I'd recommend 3-4 litres. Don't underestimate how much the altitude will dehydrate you - I thought I was drinking a lot and still suffered severe dehydration, to the extent that I collapsed a couple of times and started to lose consciousness.

Reviewed January 2012

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

A great holiday, great cycling (tough enough to keep it challenging, but not too tough we couldn’t enjoy a few beers in the evening) in a beautiful and interesting country – possibly with the ‘best group ever’?!

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of the 2000m summit at the end of a gruelling day. We were exceptionally well supported - so everyone who wanted to made it!Also the close up leopard viewing on safari.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great. Very well organised, good knowledge of biking and Sri Lanka and supported by an excellent team.... Shame about his dancing in Colombo though ;o)

Advice for Potential Travellers

A trip worth recommending. Advice would be to remember your mosquito net - they're not too agressive, but some of the hotels didn't have nets and I wished I'd thought to take mine.

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